Chelsea are reportedly ‘negotiating for’ Brighton’s Robert Sanchez as well as Moises Caicedo after AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan ruled out a move to Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino is thought to be keen on adding a new goalkeeper to his ranks, with the futures of both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy in doubt.
Kepa was Chelsea’s first choice last season and impressed in the main, but the Blues have been linked with several top goalkeepers in recent months, including AC Milan’s Maignan and Andre Onana from Inter.
A report on Tuesday claimed the idea of joining Chelsea ‘does not particularly please’ Maignan due to their lack of European football, though an exit from the Serie A side has not been ruled out after the player was left ‘astonished’ by Paolo Maldini’s exit.
Onana remains on Chelsea’s wishlist and Inter’s interest in Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly, Trevoh Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek offers hope of a swap deal.
But Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio also claims Chelsea are ‘negotiating for’ Sanchez, who was frustrated by his lack of game time under Roberto De Zerbi at the end of last season, while reports claim they’re also making their move for Seagulls teammate Caicedo.
After Sanchez was absent for Brighton’s 3-0 win over Arsenal in May, De Zerbi explained that Sanchez “wanted” to be left out of the squad having been dropped from the starting XI.
“He decided everything. Robert decided everything at the moment. He wanted it this way [not to be in the squad]. Not me, not the club. We spoke before the Arsenal game and we decided together the best solution was to stay home,” said De Zerbi.
“Yes, yes, but with Robert I have no problem. I decided to play with Jason [Steele], not because I don’t like Robert, because Robert is a top keeper, but I’m a coach, I have to decide and I have to decide before the game.
“You can speak after the game, it’s easier for you, but I am the coach, I have to take the decision before the game. I took the decision to continue with Jason, only this. That is my right.”
Sanchez still has two years remaining on his current deal with Brighton.
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